Lakers v. Hornets: Game 5 Preview

LOS ANGELES --  Game 5. Most Lakers fans would expect this to be an elimination game for the Hornets. Instead, the Lakers enter this game tied 2-2 in the series. The news doesn't get any easier from there. The Lakers' main scoring option, Kobe Bryant, has a severe left ankle sprain that occurred in Game 4.

Bryant, who has refused to have an X-ray or MRI performed, insists he will play in Game 5 no matter what and has received around-the-clock treatment in preparation for the game. With no question about Bryant's will to compete, the only question left is do the rest of the Lakers?

In their two losses, the Lakers have seemed anything but ready to compete. True, players like Ron Artest and Andrew Bynum have shown up for every game and posted great numbers, but the Lakers' normally steady and consistent players Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom have struggled in the series, even seeming passive and content at times.

The Hornets have been near perfect in their wins with their bench players and starting point guard Chris Paul posting career numbers in those matchups. To say they have been anything short of brilliant would be an insult. Aaron Gray has provided a huge lift off the bench, proving to be a disruption to Gasol's game. Jarrett Jack has played excellent as well with his high shooting percentage and heroics all contributing to the Game 4 victory.

The Lakers have been here before -- as recently as last year when they played the young, up-and-coming Oklahoma City Thunder. Again with the series tied 2-2, the Lakers found that sense of urgency and put together a great playoff run on their way to the title. This Game 5 will be pivotal for both teams. Whoever takes this game will control their destiny, forcing the other team to win two games in a row to get their playoff miracle.

The positon the Lakers are in is one coach Phil Jackson feels plays to the teams strengths, saying, "They certainly play better when they're in a desperate mode, there's no doubt about that." When asked about his teams demeanor toward Game 5, Jackson said, "They were somber. They understand the nature of we to have to do with this ballclub."

One thing is for sure, the Hornets are not taking this lightly, and they don't feel as though they have accomplished anything yet. Rather, they have been humble, almost fearful, that at any moment the Lakers could flip a switch and end the series with ease. It's with calm and catioun that they fight for every possesion, something the Lakers should take note of.

If Paul can come out and dominate the Lakers' defense as he has in Games 1 and 4, the Lakers may find themselves digging out of the grave in Game 6. But if history tells us anything, it is the Lakers will get themselves aligned for the next two games and make sure they deny Paul the opportunity to sting them any more than he has already.

Lakers v. Hornets: Game 4 Preview

NEW ORLEANS -- As far as big games go, this is one of the biggest the Hornets will face this year. The Hornets are coming off a second-straight defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Lakers, who seem to be getting their house in order at the expense of the Hornets. To make matters worse, it looks as though Hornets point guard Chris Paul has an unexplained injury to his left thumb.

The Hornets cannot afford to be without their All-Star point guard against the surging Lakers. Though Paul is expected to be just fine for April 24's game, one has to wonder if the injury will limit his level of play.

Hornets' bench players Jarrett Jack, Aaron Gray and Quincy Pondexter did everything they could to keep the Hornets effective and in contention, but it has not been enough. The Hornets hoped returning home to their fans and rowdy arena would help fuel their fire in Game 3, but there was no such luck as the Lakers dealt them a 100-86 defeat.

A win by the Lakers Sunday will give Los Angeles the opportunity to close out the series April 26 at the Staples Center. A win Tuesday would keep the Lakers from having to return to New Orleans, even if the Lakers seem to thrive on the road in the playoffs.

The Hornets will try to make the necessary adjustments Sunday, but the Lakers look to be to tough and have too much depth to let the Hornets tie the series up. If the Hornets are to win, they will have to play virtually perfect and hope the Lakers have another off night like they did for Game 1.

This may not be an elimination game for the Hornets but make no mistakes, this is a big game and when it's said and done, look for the Lakers twin towers to come out standing big and tall.

Lakers v. Hornets: Game 1 Wrap-up and Game 2 Preview

If you haven't already read the Knicks-Celtics recap, I'll reiterate my excuse for not getting the recap up sooner. Traveling for little brother's bachelor party, got back late Sunday, missed most of the game, fell asleep early, then did taxes Monday. Depression set in, no Game 1 recap.

Excuse done.

Now, on to the Game 1 recap. Ready?

Hornets played virtually perfect behind a huge performance from Chris Paul, decimating Derek Fisher and Pau Gasol for more points than I care to recall. Lakers played about average.

Gasol played like the White Swan instead of the black one and the Lakers sorely missed bench players Steve Blake and Matt Barnes. Blake was out with the chicken pox, while Barnes only played eight minutes due to a previous injury. Lakers fans fall into a deep depression, others gave up, and that should just about cover it. Lakers lose Game 1.

Let's move on, shall we.

The Lakers come into Game 2 with one major problem on their collective minds: How do we stop Chris Paul?

True, Paul has played as if he were injured at times this season. But there was no indication of that April 17, as he simply dismantled anyone the Lakers threw at him. The Lakers have had two days to put together some type of plan to limit Paul's effect on the game. One factor that should help is the return of Blake, who will provide some solid relief for the aging Fisher and maybe, with some luck, give Paul the chicken pox in the process.

Another possible matchup could be the athletic Shannon Brown. If anyone on the Lakers is capable of keeping up with Paul defensively it will be him. The question will be if they can get him to play solid and tenacious defense on Paul without taking chances and overplaying the All-Star guard.

But even after seeing the Lakers' taste defeat at the hands of CP3, there is no reason to believe the Lakers are not favored in this game. Gasol played horribly in Game 1, only posting totals of 8 points on 2-of-9 shooting and 6 rebounds. Lamar Odom also had a similar slump in the rebound column, where he only pulled in 1 rebound.

Premier players like Gasol and Odom don't have these type of games often, especially on the same night. It's even more rare to see it happen in back-to-back games. In turn, two Hornets players had season highs in Game 1 in points and shooting percentage. Aaron Grey had 12 points and Jarrett Jack shot 83 percent from the field.

Don't look for a repeat performance from the Hornets. Grey is listed for doubtful for Game 2, and it is highly unlikely the Hornets will maintain the insane shooting efficiency we saw in Game 1. Look for Gasol to step up and be more aggressive in getting the ball and in the paint. Also, look for Odom to get a little more involved in both the offense and on the boards, making sure he is a factor in this game.

Paul will try to attack the pick-and-roll like he did in the first game, but the Lakers will make adjustments and use their size to keep all the Hornet's role players from doing damage while Paul tries his best to keep the Hornets afloat.

The Hornets managed to play out of their minds in Game 1. And while I'm not saying they can't do it in Game 2, teams don't permanently become another team overnight. They have flashes of brilliance at times and they have times where they can't get the ship going. Though it would be insane to think the Hornets turned into the Lakers overnight while the Lakers turned into the Timberwolves.

Expect the Hornets to come out firing early because they know they have a punchers chance with Paul at the helm. But Paul is only a right hook, and without a solid and consistent uppercut on the team to assist him, this team is only capable of winning Round 1 with some luck. Expect the score to stay close, and as soon as the Hornets get tired of punching, midway through the third quarter, expect the Lakers to come off the ropes and throttle the Hornets like they don't belong in this fight at all, which they don't.

For the Lakers, the four-game sweep starts now.